CEBU, Philippines - The Mactan Hotmen of team manager Collector Bingo Matugas and the D-Force Pimentel Brokerage upended separate foes to set up a championship showdown today in the basketball event of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) 1st Port of Cebu Sportsfest Benedicto College gymnasium in Brgy. Banilad, Mandaue City.
The Hotmen thrived on their consistency at the free throw line in the closing minutes of the game to escape with a 77-72 victory over the Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (CCBI), while Pimentel banked on its pesky defense to maul the upset-seeking Assessment Division, 90-79.
Spunky guard Kenneth Kern Sesante topscored for the Hotmen with 15 points followed by Jessie Bugtai with 12 spiked by crucial free throws in the windup that bailed them out of danger. Ronnie Ruiz and Ronnie Clapano chipped in 21 points combined for the Hotmen.
Jeceril Borlado led CCBI with 28 points. He also scored 28 points when they defeated the Sugbo Brokers in overtime to reach the semifinals.
Top center Takloy Moral Jr. added 24 points for the CCBI.
Later in the night, the Pimentel Brokers of team owner Marty Pimentel relied on the brilliance of former GMC Granny Goose pointguard Michael Macasero, who exploded with 25 points.
Daniel Enriquez paced Assessment with 18 points. (FREEMAN NEWS)